Academics

18 Nov Falotico, Saleska, highlight All-NACC Men’s Soccer Awards

The Concordia University Wisconsin Men’s Soccer Team had an unforgettable 2015 regular season, which culminated in the program’s first Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Championship. On Wednesday, the Falcons were recognized again for those efforts by having eight players, as well as head coach Tom Saleska, honored as the conference released its 2015 awards.

Freshman Gavin Falotico (Palatine, Ill.) and Saleska highlighted the awards for the Falcons. Saleska captured his first NACC Coach of the Year honors after leading the Falcons to a regular season title with a 9-1-0 conference record. He previously won Lake Michigan Conference Coach of the Year honors in 1997, 2002 and 2004.

Falotico had an impressive season with the Falcons, and was recognized by the league’s head coaches as the Freshman and Co-Defensive Player of the Year, along with Gabriel Gongora of Dominican. Falotico immediately stepped in and led a Falcons defense that posted a 0.77 goals against average and a league-best 10 shutouts. He added three assists and a goal in his rookie season with the Falcons.

Falotico was joined on the All-NACC First Team by seniors Diego Campos (Milwaukee, Wis.) and Keegan Van Dusseldrop (Burlington, Wis.). It was the second straight First Team selection and fourth straight season he has been recognized by the NACC in some form. He was an All-Freshman team pick in 2012, earned Second Team honors in 2013 and was on the First Team in each of the past two seasons.

Van Dusseldorp led the conference with 94 shots and ranked fourth with 13 goals, while also ranking fourth with 34 points. Campos was also recognized for the fourth straight season, and his second time being on the First Team. He was a First Team selection in 2012, while being named to the Second Team in 2013 and 2014.

Campos ranks second in the league with 14 assists, consistently setting up his teammates. He tied the Falcons single-match record with four assists earlier in the season. He added three goals, two of those coming in league play.

Brew had an impressive senior season, ranking first in the NACC in save percentage (.871) and goals against average (0.58). He tied for the conference lead with seven shutouts, and nearly went the entire month of October without yielding a goal.

Russ was one of the key defenders in front of Brew, along with Falotico, and helped the Falcons post a league-low goals against average and 10 shutouts. Russ also tallied one goal and two assists for CUW in his senior season.

Clayton played a key role in the midfield for CUW, providing to be another asset to the strong team defense the Falcons showcased throughout the year. He added three goals and three assists, including one game-winning score.

Moehn was another strong scoring option for the Falcons, netting nine goals and adding two assist throughout the year. Two of those goals were game-winners in overtime, those coming against then No. 5 UW-Whitewater and Marian.

Joining Falotico on the All-Freshman team was Dagoberto Diaz (Woodburn, Ore.). Diaz saw time at both midfielder and forward for the Falcons during his rookie season and contributed 17 points. Diaz scored seven times and added three assists.